Certain things new homeowners may not factor into their monthly energy expenses are things like energy-sucking air conditioning, a Niagara falls-like shower spout or giving your windows double or triple panes.

Here are some quick and easy ways to remain an efficient home on a budget.

Water saving toilets: most people don’t realize the full impact of using their toilets up to 20 times a day for families. By switching to a more efficient toilet that uses far less water, your water bills will be much less.

Bubble wrap your Windows: when the bitter Toronto cold weather comes in, it’s hard to just replace all the insulation around your windows. A neat trick is to wet your windows, stick bubble wrap on your windows and it will insulate your rooms! A far less expensive alternative to actually double or triple paning your window can go a long way in saving you some money in the winter.

Installing a low-flow shower head: it’s amazing what some small fixes will do to give you an efficient home on a budget. A common guzzler of your bills will be water – and multiple users using gallon-guzzling shower heads uses a lot of water! Once you move to a more efficient shower head that doesn’t use as much water, you won’t feel it in the pressure but will feel it in the lower water bills!

Fluorescent bulbs and lamps: another common efficiency tip is to replace your energy-sucking light bulbs and light fixtures. Sure you pay a bit more for the actual bulbs, but the money you will save with will no doubt save you a bunch on your energy bill.

Makeshift draft blocker: living on a budget isn’t easy, but when you need to save money, you can really cut corners. In the winter, you can block the cold air from coming in, by filling up socks with rice and blocking the bottom of the doors. It might look funny but will lower your heating bill significantly.

Of course, if all of this seems like a bit too much work to save money on your energy and water bills, you should contact your local contractor to get the most bang for your buck. Getting into a new condo or house can be overwhelming at times and if you can save a few dollars here and there, it will help your budget and give you peace of mind!